Inspiration

The natural world and wildlife conservation provides endless joy and despair, beauty and devastation. I strive to advocate for our endangered species and ecosystems and am currently exploring wildlife advocacy through creative interpretation.

​Like wildlife around the world, New Zealand's flora and fauna are imperilled by growing urbanisation, habitat loss, and climate change. I am fortunate to live in Wellington - a green biophilic city - where the jewel in our crown is Zealandia EcoSanctuary. Zealandia is a fenced reserve in the middle of Wellington where native birds can breed in freedom and in safety. Many of my images come about from my conservation volunteer work at Zealandia, where I have the privilege of working with rare and endangered birds, including my beloved kākā parrots who feature in many of my art works.​

Approach

The best camera to get is the camera you're prepared to carry and take with you into the world - and for me that means smaller, lighter, micro 4/3rd cameras. They have opened up the world of wildlife photography to me as they are so much more portable than their DSLR cousins. I'm currently shooting with a Panasonic GX8 with a variety of (ever growing) Panasonic Lumix lenses. More recently, I've taken the step to fullframe mirrorless with the Sony a9 and a7riii - love them both! But only if my Sherpa is available to help carry them.

My photo artistry arsenal includes Photoshop and Lightroom CC, Topaz, and occasionally Illustrator, InDesign, and DxO. A Wacom Intuos Pro tablet completes the set. I then throw all of the above into a creative cauldron and stir it with the inspiration and knowledge gained from the AWAKE and KAIZEN photo artistry communities, and the tutelage from the likes of Sebastian Michaels, Julieanne Kost, Kim Klassen, and Brooke Shaden.​